Scotland's Loch Ness is about to welcome a new inhabitant, but it's not the legendary monster Nessie. Beavers, known for their ecosystem engineering skills, are being reintroduced to the area after a 500-year absence. The reintroduction is the result of a license granted by NatureScot, the national conservation authority, to two nonprofits, Trees for Life and the Beaver Trust. The license allows for the release of up to 15 beaver families over three years in the River Ness catchment area. The reintroduction is the result of a thorough assessment of the site's suitability, animal welfare, and potential impacts on neighboring communities. The assessment concluded that beavers could significantly boost biodiversity in the catchment, with a low risk of negative impacts from beaver activity. The community consultation process was also positive, with over 73% of respondents expressing support for the reintroduction. Beavers are known to create habitats such as ponds and wetlands, which can support a wide range of species. They also help to moderate water flows in times of flood and water scarcity. The nonprofits have said that translocations could begin in the coming weeks, with qualifying animals being taken from other locations in Scotland where they are having a negative impact on prime agricultural land or are not settling well. This is not the first time beavers have been reintroduced to Scotland. They were first reintroduced in 2009 and have since reclaimed various ancestral waterways. The reintroduction of beavers to Loch Ness is a positive step for the local ecosystem and could bring many benefits for nature and people.